First segment of A Christmas Tale

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A Christmas Tale

By:

Patrick Meservier

Copyright © 2006 by Scribbleworks Publications

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ISBN # 9781301218400

e-book publisher

Smashwords.com

Distributed in the United States of America

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold

or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person,

please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did

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of this author.

“Unto me came a gift like no other,

An intuitive gift with the power of our ever watchful God,

So provocative were his words,

Lives were changed forever.

All in the name of his Son!”

King Ewen MacDougall on speaking to the Bishop after meeting the Sandman for the first time. 1249

Day 1

 Cape Elizabeth, ME, Dec. 18^th, 1932

On a cold and starry night a large mansion at the end of a dead end road was lit with the excitement of a large party, a holiday gala to be exact. Music filled the air as couples strolled through large doors onto oversized balconies. They would cool themselves then return to the party. Gentlemen were dressed in suits or tuxedos exuding a debonair feel about them. The women wore elegant dresses that would fill their escort’s eyes and perhaps catch a wandering as well. On one of the balconies a couple sipped from their tall but almost empty glasses of Champagne as they leaned casually against the stone rail. A chugging sound stole their attention.

An automobile rounded the bend its lights scattered through the bare bushes. Suddenly it burst through the trees scattering light into the full parking area. The auto stopped abruptly then turned into the next space in the row. The gears ground for a moment, the engine chugged then it went silenced. A tall man bounded out and hurried to the other side letting out his lady friend. As they walked to the entrance the gentleman on the balcony pointed excitedly.

“Hey! Isn't that Frank?” The man blurted out. “Hey Frank!” He shouted as he waved wildly.  “Frank!”

The young lady next to him grabbed his arm.

“Now George, he can't hear you. They’re too far away. Let's go down to meet them instead.”

He turned excitedly dragging her back into the building behind him.

The door knocker clanged loudly under Frank’s hand.  He let go of the knocker then took off his derby.  He eyed the woman to his left with a hint of hunger. “Ellie, you look sensational in that dress.”

“Frank McDonald! Honestly, you're worse than a schoolboy at a formal. Now hush I hear someone coming.”

Not a second later the door opened. An older gentleman in a black tuxedo greeted them. “Good evening. May I see your invitation?” His words were stretched out and deep exuding an air of authority. Frank poked in his hat to find their invitation and handed it to him. Ellie nudged him. Frank returned with a “What!” look and shrugged his shoulders. A person's face popped out over the butler’s shoulder.

“Frank, Ellie, glad you could make it.”

The sudden noise didn't jolt the butler but caused Frank to crane his head around the man to see his friend better.

“Hey Harris!  How long have you been here?”

The butler interrupted. “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. McDonald for attending the party this evening.” His voice was low and even. He snapped his fingers and a boy appeared at his side immediately.

“Young Mr. Crane here will take your hat sir, your wrap Madam?”

Ellie adjusted her shawl. “Thank you, no. It is still a bit chilly.”

“Very well, enjoy your evening.”

The butler turned aside allowing them to pass. The boy took Frank's hat and gave him a token then waited. Ellie nudged her husband again as Harris spoke up each thinking the same thing. “Go on, tip the boy.” Harris scolded.

Frank jumped to life.

“Oh yes.” He blushed at having forgotten.

He dug out a coin from his pocket and flipped it in the air to young mister Crane. Ellie rolled her eyes again. The boy caught the coin easily and disappeared with the hat. Harris, whose frame was larger than Frank’s thin build, moved when he slapped him on the shoulder dragging him in.

“So… who did you steal that auto from? Last I remember you didn't have one!”

“I bought it yesterday.” Frank beamed. “It’s a top of the line 1932 Oldsmobile. What

a ride!”

“So what took you so long to get here?”

Ellie let go of Frank's arm to walk ahead with Harris' wife. Frank and George watched their wives go ahead. Frank turned his attention back to Harris to continue.

“Got lost, not used to these roads at night. First car you know.”

“Yeah right, I'll bet. With a stunning woman like that to drive around I'll bet you were

busy breaking in the seats.  Ha! Ha! Ha!”  He laughed in spite of himself.

Frank just smiled. Suddenly, the music and lights exploded around them as they passed through the doors into the hall. Frank looked about the party ignoring Harris to take in his first formal party.

Some people were dancing to a band playing on the far side of the room. Many stringed instruments instilled the Christmas spirit into their guests. Other people stood around chatting with drinks in their hands. Servers were busily attending one group or another passing out more drinks and hor d'oeuvres. In one corner a group of men stood smoking and laughing out loud. Mr. Stevens, the owner of the company, was at its center enjoying every minute and laughing loudly.

Near them stood a Christmas tree that must have towered 30 feet with a star perched atop with gifts abounding from its trunk. Hundreds of brightly colored glass balls glinted on its bows. The balconies that surrounded the great hall were brimming with people looking down.  Lines of garland draped from banister to banister and across the face of the balcony to give the hall a very festive look.  Wreaths artfully placed hither and dither with colorful bows accented the walls further.

Frank could see Ellie and Harris’ wife, Jane, speaking to several other women in the distance. He decided that he didn't know very many of the guests and that he should stick close to his friend.  Harris brought Frank back by tapping his shoulder again.

“Hey, hey, you know what I mean!” Harris burped loudly afterwards. The smell of alcohol putridly hung between them.

Harris pointed to some young ladies by the tree. “I'll have my way with one of them then I'll go home with my ugly wife. Only then will this be a great party. Good thing you and Ellie showed up. How else could I schmooze around with her always hanging at my side?” Harris pointed to their wives.

“Ellie is so good at keeping Jane busy. Look there, over with the wives. With all that’s going on I won't see her for hours. Listen I'll introduce you to BiBi. I met her….”